SYS ONLINE INGEST 3 hours ago SOURCE NHTSA · TC BUILD v0.0.29
Vehicle scope Default: all classes — narrow to retail passenger anytime
Network/ Canada/ Ford/ 2000226

Ford · Canada · High

Ford Escape: Steering

Affects Ford Escape · 2001 — about 22 vehicles.

The hazard

On certain vehicles, the nut that attaches the steering wheel assembly to the steering column may be upside down in the steering wheel assembly. This could overstress the steering column shaft when the nut is tightened. In addition, the nut may have been cracked during manufacture, which could result in the nut fracturing when it is tightened during vehicle assembly. Either of these conditions could potentially lead to the steering wheel becoming loose or separating from the steering column. This could result in loss of steering control and a crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature an, if necessary, the steering column will be replaced.

What to do

Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.

Critical — crash/injury risk now High — injury risk; see remedy Moderate — fix at next service Low — minor / informational